Cape Town - SAA has locked out all its pilots affiliated to the South African Airways Pilots' Association with effect from midday today , after Saapa refused a deal from the airline’s business rescue partners.
“These privileges came with unaffordable benefits and a salary framework which should be terminated. We agree with the BRPs and their insistence on addressing the RA, as it cannot become part of the new SAA. The RA is unconstitutional and unlawful, and should be terminated,” said Mantu. Responding to the decision, Saapa – through chairperson Grant Back – said: “Saapa is surprised, dismayed and disappointed with the inaccurate statements issued by the DPE and the BRPs regarding the impasse between the pilots and SAA, and the impending lock out of our members.”
“Saapa will not be dictated to or bullied into submission. We are in the process of taking legal advice,” said Back. “Alternatively, the business rescue practitioner’s plan should just have made provision for the holding costs until restart,” said Vermooten.
The association brought out a notice confirming that they agreed to all the terms except the term demanded that only black pilots be used in the new restructured airline.